Dolly Parton and Other Country Stars Pay Tribute to Merle Haggard

Recording artist Merle Haggard performs during the opening night of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on March 10, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images for The Smith Center)

Some of country music’s biggest names are reminiscing about what made Merle Haggard a legend in the wake of his death at the age of 79. 

“We’ve lost one of the greatest writers and singers of all time,” Dolly Parton said in a statement, ABC News reports. “His heart was as tender as his love ballads. I loved him like a brother. Rest easy, Merle.”

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